Our Team

Mary Ann Rose - President & CEO
Mary Ann Rose is the founder and president of Tamar Productions, Inc. In 1992, Ms. Rose was honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners as one of the “Top 25” Women Run Businesses. In 1995, 1997 and 1998, Tamar Productions received national recognition with the highest awards for achievement in themed events by Special Event Magazine and has consistently been listed as one of the “Top 50” special event companies worldwide. In 2008, Ms. Rose was named a “Woman of Vision” by the Midwest Eye Bank, and most recently, was named one of Chicago’s 100 Women of Influence by Today’s Chicago Woman.

Before founding Tamar Productions, Mary Ann was an entertainer who performed for two tours of duty with the U.S.O. in the Mediterranean and on the 1500 Anniversary Tour that included Southeast Asia and Vietnam. She also performed as an opening act with Bob Hope, Bob Newhart, and Bill Cosby among other notable entertainers.

In addition to having published articles in Successful Woman Magazine and Meeting Planners Alert, Rose served on the executive board of directors and was Chair-Elect for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau where she successfully chaired the annual Burnham Bash. She is currently the Executive Director for the Chicago Police Foundation, which aims to raise funds towards needed equipment and educational training programs for the city's Police Officers. Mary Ann is a Past Chairman of the Board for the Magnificent Mile Association and a past board member of the Lawson YMCA. She also serves on the board of Face the Future Foundation, an organization dedicated to children with cranial facial anomalies and is a member of Northwestern University’s Career Counseling Program, her Alma Mater.

Heinz Kern - Vice President
Heinz Kern began his career in Europe, graduating first in his class at Dusseldorf’s prestigious Hotel Fachschule. As a young chef, he honed his culinary skills at the most famous hotels in the world, including the George V in Paris, the Palace in St. Moritz and The Savoy in London. Upon arrival in the United States, Heinz joined the New York Hilton and soon after was promoted to the Conrad Hilton in Chicago. He then went on to work in the nation’s capital. After working for some time in Las Vegas for Hilton, Mr. Kern joined Hyatt Hotels.

As General Manager, he managed several hotels in the United States, including the Park Hyatt on Michigan Avenue. As Vice President of Food and Beverage for Hyatt Corporation, Mr. Kern redesigned Hyatt’s food concept, creating new restaurants nationwide.

Mr. Kern has been featured in several trade publications, including Gastronomique, Restaurant News, as well as Lodging Hospitality. He has lectured at various hotel schools, including Cornell University, and remains on the cutting edge of food trends through his membership with the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rostisseurs the oldest gourmet society in the world where he rose to the high rank of Baille for the Chicago chapter.

In May of 1995, Heinz Kern fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened his own restaurant; Palette’s in Chicago. After eight successful years with Palette’s, Heinz rejoined the corporate world as Vice President for Tamar Productions.

Breanna Jurs - Account Executive
Breanna Jurs is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has focused her educational and professional career on event management and planning services. She has gained significant experience in event planning on both a social and professional level, ultimately allowing her to explore a wide variety of aspects within the event planning field. Through various internships and job opportunities, Breanna has had the ability to expand upon her experience by utilizing her skills and abilities in multiple locations across the country.

In October of 2014, Breanna was able to join Tamar Productions, Inc. as an Event Coordinator and is looking forward to not only learning more about the industry, but applying her knowledge and experience towards creating innovative and memorable events for her clients.

Mackenzie Albertson - Associate
Mackenzie is a recent graduate of Indiana University where she majored in Event Management and minored in Nonprofit Management and Spanish Studies. Realizing her passion for events at the beginning of her college career, Mackenzie began working events in August of her sophomore year. Through this she was able to acquire knowledge and experience in many different aspects of the event management industry, including social, nonprofit, and corporate events.

Mackenzie joined the Tamar team in May 2016 as an event production associate where she was able to expand her knowledge and understanding of corporate event planning. She is looking forward to applying all she has learned this summer towards each event she works on in the future.

History

Founded by President & CEO Mary Ann Rose in 1976, Tamar Productions, Inc. is an Illinois licensed and bonded full service Event and Destination Management Company specializing in meetings and events of all sizes. Tamar is a Women’s Business Enterprise certified nationwide and by the city of Chicago. For almost forty years, Tamar Productions has established a national reputation with the country’s leading corporations and associations, and has created a niche in the marketplace as an innovator for themed events and entertainment. Listed in Crain's Chicago Business as one of the “Top 25 Women-Run Businesses” in Chicago, Tamar has also received national recognition with top awards for achievement in themed events by Special Event Magazine. Tamar’s professional and personal approach, along with a healthy respect for client budget, is a hallmark.

In 2005, due to corporate demand for unique gift items, Ms. Rose successfully opened Mary Mary, a gift boutique located in Tamar Productions' 135 year old brown stone just minutes from Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

For more information about Mary Mary, please visit our website at www.marymarygifts.com.

Awards

2018 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2017 N.I.C.E. Award Nominee
Best Fundraising/Non-Profit Event
Best Corporate Event

2017 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2017 Special Event Gala Award Nominee
Best Achievement in Logistics

2016 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2015 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2014 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2011 N.I.C.E. Award Winner
Best Theme Decor
Total Decor Budget: $20,000 to $50,000

2010 Special Event Gala Award Nominee
Best Decor
Total Decor Budget: $20,000 to $49,999

2010 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2009 and 2010 Event Style Award Nominee
BizBash Chicago
Best Corporate or Association Event Concept
Budget Under $50,000

Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association
Special Events Magazine

Best Event Coordinated with a Hotel Catering Department
Special Events Magazine

Most Creative Buffet Design
Special Events Magazine

Chicago's Top 25 Women-Run Businesses
Crain's Chicago Business

Top 25 Women Business Owners
National Association of Women Business Owners

Spotlight Awards finalist for Samaritan Service for the Community
Event Solutions Magazine

"Spirit of Love" Award
Little City Foundation

706 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60654 - Phone: (773) 880-1000 - Fax: (312) 943-9477 - event@tamarproductionsinc.com